Bobby Ray Eldridge, 81, of Closplint, departed this life on Friday, September 27, 2024, at the UK Hospital in Lexington.  Born September 3, 1943 in Harlan County, he had lived here most of his life.  Bobby was a retired coal miner.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Bobby enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandson whom he helped raise.  He believed in the Baptist faith and enjoyed watching Christian television.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret May Shuler Eldridge; his parents, Carl Eldridge and Ruth Irene Earley Eldridge; a granddaughter, Angel Mae Combs; a brother, Robert Eldridge; two sisters, Louise Eldridge and Betty Lyttle; and three brothers-in-law, Ronnie Lyttle, Wilburn Witt and Winston Kelly.

Survivors include his daughter, April Michelle Eldridge, Closplint; his grandson, Christopher "CJ" Allen Combs, Jr., Closplint; two sisters, Wilma Eldridge Witt, Ohio; Sandra Kelly, Rose Hill, VA; two brothers, David Eldridge and wife, Beatrice, Holmes Mill; Randy Eldridge and wife, Diane, Closplint; and a host of other family and friends.

His visitation will be held Thursday from 5 until 8 pm at the Evarts Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Friday, October 4, 2024, at 1 pm in the Chapel of the Evarts Funeral Home with the Reverend Steve Sizemore officiating.

Burial will follow in the Francis Heirs Cemetery at Holmes Mill with his family and friends serving as pallbearers.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Bobby Ray Eldridge.